Mums In Bahrain

Mums in Bahrain are introducing a new 'Reviews' section to our website! This will feature real life experiences of many children's activities, play centers, and family restaurants, as experienced first hand by the MIB team (and their children!) with more reviews over the coming weeks and months. Hope that you find it useful!!

Slice of Life
I would like to recommend Slice of Life for anyone who is having a party and wants some gorgeous homemade slices. Ideal for parties and afternoon playdates. Absolutely gorgeous. the lemon slices were definitely a favourite

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slice-of-Life-Bahrain/407301819358469

Pizza Express, The Lagoon, Amwaj

After what feels like waiting for the longest time, Pizza Express has finally opened! It is situated close to Starbucks, and unfortunately has a flight of steps to go up in order to get to the door - not the most buggy friendly of entrances. However, the staff are very quick to come out and assist, so I'll forgive them!

The room is typical 'Pizza Express' - comfortingly like any branch elsewhere in the world. The menu is the same too - with the obvious omissions of alcohol and pork that you would normally find in the UK. I was able to order my favourite pizza, and it was very very close to how my taste buds remember it! The menu has a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, and some salads.

The BEST thing about the restaurant is the kids menu, though. For only 1.75BD, the children get dough balls as a starter, a choice of three pizzas and pastas, a choice of desserts, and a drink. AND they get to make their own pizza if that is what they have chosen - AWESOME!! They don chef hats and an apron, climb on a chair (if small!) and get given there own ball of pizza dough. They are shown how to roll and kneed it, and how to fit it into the tray. They they add their own sauce and toppings. It really couldn't be better!

It is still early days for this new opening, and the service wasn't the most organised, but it was certainly very friendly. The pizzas are good, the salads very good, and the pasta was a little 'crunchy' on top from being blasted in the oven......

Still, a nice relaxed place to go, with a great experience for the children, to be recommended!

efood Bahrain delivers fruit and veg to your door, I have been using them monthly for a year now

and have been impressed with the quality of the fruit, veg and meat! Today I order from efood.bh and one of the items I ordered was Mango, its was not very good so I emailed them saying the mango is spoiled, to my surprise in an hour I got another bag of mango complimentary with an apology! Ild highly recommend them it, such a great customer service, fresh veg, fruits, and meat and you wont need to drive to pick up your groceries

check them out at www.efood.bh

efoods Bahrain delivers fruit and veg to your door, I have been using them monthly for a year now

I would highly recommend it, such a great customer service, fresh veg, fruits, and meat and you wont need to drive to pick up your groceries

Gusto, Budaiya Highway

Last week I found myself in need of lunch, with young child in tow, in the Budaiya area. Gusto had been recommended to me, and so off we went...... It is located on the Budaiya Highway, behind the Crepe Cafe and Words Cafe and Bookstore. It has parking right outside. It was very quiet when we were there (weekday lunchtime). The room is bright and airy, very welcoming, and the staff were great. It has a wide Italian menu - lots of pizza, pasta, but also salads and other main meals. The chefs specials board looked good too. I had a wonderful bowl of pasta - very fresh ingredients, great flavour, pasta cooked perfectly. My daughter had her favourite pepperoni pizza (they do child size) and I just had to try some - it was delicious! I have to say, I think that Gusto may well take the crown for ‘best pizza in Bahrain’ - it is certainly the best I’ve tried! The bill was 12BD for two meals and fresh juices. A lovely place, accommodates children well, and somewhere I will go out of my way to visit again

Twin Palms Riding Centre

This evening I took my 2.5 year old son to Twin Palms Riding Centre in Saar as he has been asking to ride a horse for some time now. I want to express my thanks to Louise and Martina who were so friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They arranged for my son to go on a 20 minute pony ride without prior booking. His face completely lit up and he cannot wait to go again. Totally recommend this for everyone! We will certainly be going back there soon. Check out their website for further details – www.twinpalmsridingcentre.com

Frangipani, Seef Mall

We visited Frangipani restaurant in Seef Mall one weekend lunchtime, on the spur of the moment. It is close to Marks and Spencer, with the distinctive brown and orange chairs and tables outside. The attraction was the teppanyaki bar that we had walked past many times before...... We were seated next to the sushi counter, and duly ordered a plate of sushi to start, to be followed by noodles and meat dishes. They have children’s menu, generally small versions of basic noodle and rice dishes. It was good fun to watch the sushi being made in front of us, and also to watch the teppanyaki chef doing his thing! The sushi was WONDERFUL! I am no expert on authenticity, but it was totally delicious, and as the chefs appeared to be Japanese, I am guessing that it was pretty genuine. However, we then had a long, long wait until the main dishes arrived..... The restaurant was very busy, and the staff were very pleasant and kept checking for us as to where our meals were, but the wait was still very long....... When the meals did arrive, they were worth the wait, and were lovely. My little one loved her noodles very much. When the bill arrived, it wasn’t cheap - 18BD for two adults and a small child. That, combined with the long wait, means that I won’t make it a weekly visit. However, the food was delicious, and the variety of things to watch during the waiting time made it bearable, and we will go back, just maybe when it is a little bit quieter. I am dreaming of that sushi dish right now.......

Sarai, Amwaj

The new restaurant ‘Sarai ‘has now opened in The Lagoon, Amwaj. It is at the end close to Starbucks and Al Forno, and the food is Syrian. Never having tried Syrian food before, and in need of a bit of variety in our family’s eating out habits, we decided to give it a go. And we’re very pleased that we did!

The room is large, ‘traditionally’ decorated, lots of dark wood, but somehow it manages to remain feeling airy and relaxed. There is plenty of seating outside for the cooler months. Many of the staff have moved from Al Forno next door (the restaurants belong to the same company) so embarrassingly but comfortingly we were greeted by name......

The food was Delicious, with a capital D! It had many familiar dishes, such as tabbouleh, fattoush, grills etc, but with a slightly different edge to what we are used to. A free plate of crisp bread, dips and olives arrived to start, whilst we ordered. My young daughter had the ‘lentil and Swiss chard soup’, and LOVED it - and yes, green vegetables were voluntarily eaten! And I can confirm it was wonderful. We had a range of appetizers (including my new favourite food - chicken livers with onions, peppers and pomegranate molasses) and a couple of grills and rice. With soft drinks, the bill for two adults and a small child was 25BD, which isn’t cheap, but the quality of the food was wonderful.

They don’t cater particularly for children - there isn’t a special kids menu, so your children have to be happy to eat Arabic food. The service was great, and although my daughter was ‘active’ i.e. running around, we weren’t made to feel that this was an issue.

If you live in Amwaj, give this new place a try. If you don’t live in Amwaj, then this may make the drive over worth while!

Swimming Classes, BSB Academy

My little one has completed her second term of swimming lessons at the BSB Academy, being taught by Miss Tara. During that time, she has gone from being very nervous, apprehensive and down right reluctant to take to the water, to loving every single minute of it! The pool is indoor - heated for the cooler months, but in the current heat it feels surprisingly cool and refreshing. The young children are taught in the toddler pool, whilst the older children are in the big pool. There are a range of classes, from young babies, through to the first independent swimming classes, through to more advanced classes for older children. Miss Tara and her group of accredited swimming teachers clearly know exactly how to coax reluctant children into swimming, and her reassurance and support has definitely made my daughter comfortable and relaxed around water. A great swimming school to gently and supportively introduce children to this important skill. Contact details https://www.facebook.com/SportsAcademyBSB

Awali Riding Club

My son does like horse riding, few months back i took him to Awali riding club and it is one of the best things he loves, the club is located in Awali close to Riffa Views, they had qualified instructors that have extensive experience with children, when my son first started his classes he was not able to have a balance on the horse back and with in 8 sessions he managed to go for full round without holding the strain. the place there is lovely, i tend to have a horse ride while he is having his class or just set & watch while having a coffee. Awali Riding Club is open from Saturdays to Thursdays, 7am-7pm. to get more info call Abdul Aziz at 39423383

Victoria Dance

Doesn’t every little girl dream of being a ballerina? Mine certainly does! So, a couple of months ago she joined the ‘Baby Ballet’ classes run by Victoria Dance at Bodyline, Sar. The venue is lovely - calm and airy, with the ballet studio perfect. For the first lesson, I stayed in the studio for the duration of the class, as my daughter was a bit overawed by the occasion. By the second lesson, however, she was more than happy to follow ‘Miss Vicky’ into the studio and to be fully independent - a lesson for me that it was time to ‘let go’! I was then able to settle down with a magazine and a fresh juice, and relax to the sounds of music and dancing from the studio.... a valuable bit of relaxation time for me too! The girls can all take their favourite teddy bear into the session, and ‘Melody Bear’ features in the music and exercises. The smile on the faces of the girls at the end of the lesson says it all - they love it! Even in a couple of months I can see that my daughter has learned new physical skills (skipping, curtseying) and her confidence is building too. Miss Vicky is calm, encouraging and the girls love her. My daughter must ask me at least once a day if she can go to ballet class with Miss Vicky today..... There are often ‘special events’ too - we took part in the Easter Chicks class, where the girls were all made-up as bunnies, and they practised and performed a little dance routine for the parents - it was a real joy to watch.

Victoria Dance offer many other classes for children of all ages, and some for adults too. They include Irish dancing, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop, and even Bokwa (a combination of South African war dance, Capoeira, Kickboxing and Step - I had to google it!). Victoria Dance ballet classes for children have also recently opened at Aminals in Amwaj too. To contact Victoria Dance, call on 39876215.

Review posted On May 15th by Lucy Palmer

MAHARANI YOGA/BABY SIGNING

Lavina from Maharani Yoga runs her various yoga and Baby Signing classes in Amwaj. She runs yoga classes for children and toddlers (with parents involved), pregnancy yoga classes, and individual yoga therapy sessions. Lavina also specialises on supporting people with special needs. She also runs ‘Baby Signing With Lavina’ classes too.

I have been attending toddler yoga classes with my daughter for the last 16 months or so, and it was the first ‘activity class’ that she absolutely loved! Lavina is extremely warm and empathetic with the youngsters, connecting at their level. The class is fairly ‘free format’, with exercises and activities following the direction that the children want to take it. The children combine rhymes and songs with physical activities, such as balancing, rolling, stepping on blocks and walking like different animals, for example. It is all good fun! And meanwhile, the Mums either assist their children in their activities, or do gentle yoga exercises too. The focus for the Mums is on strengthening the ‘core’ of the body, along with easing any aches and pains that we all seem to get....... The wind-down time is an excellent breather for busy, tired Mums. My daughter adores Lavina , and her confidence and physical skills have developed so much with her help and guidance.

I haven’t participated in any of the other classes, but I have heard very positive things about them. I plan to join the Baby Signing class once my new arrival is here!

Class times and frequency vary, depending upon the needs of children and Mums over time, so it is best to enquire what classes are available.

For more information: http://www.maharaniyoga.com

Review posted On May 5th by Lucy Palmer

CHAOSS

Arrival at the playgroup on a Tuesday morning at Chaoss (held at EZ Fit in Saar) is like a breath of fresh air. The staff are so welcoming and remember each and every child’s name, remembering even siblings that have spent time at Chaoss previously. The personal touch is what makes this group so special!

The equipment and toys are clean and in good working order with a very fun ball pit just big enough for the babies. The staff are attentive and friendly throughout the play session and the music that is played creates a fun atmosphere.

At snack time they provide a variety of healthy (and some unhealthy!) snacks to choose from as well as tea and coffee for mums. My daughter loves the food and stays the longest to finish eating.

There is a singing session at the end with some fun with the parachute which the kids love.

I can really recommend this playgroup as excellent value for money and top notch for friendliness!

Review posted On May 4th by Megan Bester

ANIMALS

Aminals, a children’s play and activity centre, has been open since the start of the year. It is located in the Zawia 1 building close to the main entrance to The Lagoon, and is a clean, modern, airy venue. Situated over 2 floors, there is a soft play area primarily for young children, close to a small cafe area where parents can sit and relax, but still be close at hand. There are also two rooms that are used for various classes, including Baby Gymnastics. Messy play sessions run a couple of times a week, too. Victoria Dance have also recently started running classes on a Saturday and Wednesday mornings. There are also plenty of activities for Mums to get involved in - including Zumba classes.

My daughter attends a Baby Gymnastics class each week. She loves it! The sessions make good use of both rooms, including a warm up session, and then an activity session involving going over a course of obstacles to develop skills such as balance, co-ordination and to build core strength. The session ends with music time and a bit of a wind-down.

Aminals is a great addition to the range of activities available in Amwaj. Contact details: fun@aminalsbh.com

Review posted On May 1st by Lucy Palmer

AL FORNO

The newest edition to the growing restaurant scene at The Lagoon is Al Forno restaurant. An Italian restaurant, I went with my husband and daughter a couple of weeks after opening, as Little One was demanding pizza. It is located near the main entrance at the top of The Lagoon, and is a large, airy, ‘traditionally’ styled room, with plenty of seating outside too. We sat outside to enjoy the warm evening (but not yet too humid!) air. One slight problem is that they don’t supply high chairs, but they brought plenty of cushions so my daughter could sit in comfort. The menu was varied - as well as pizzas, pasta and salads, there were various Italian main dishes too. They had a wide range of juices and soft drinks, and the meal was commenced with a bowl of delicious fresh bread, tapenade, olive oil and balsamic vinegar - delicious! The waiters were all VERY attentive, and especially did a great job in entertaining my daughter, taking her to watch the pizzas being prepared and baked in the traditional oven. They also brought crayons and a ‘colouring’ mat to keep her occupied. We ordered two pizzas and a salad to share between the three of us. The order arrived quickly, and all was of very good quality and taste. The overall price for the meal was around 20BD, including drinks. Overall, a lovely family experience, good food, lovely atmosphere and service, and a fair price.

Review posted on May 1st by Lucy Palmer

ONCE UPON A STORY TIME
Amy runs her children’s story time classes from her studio in Amwaj, and they are proving to be extremely popular. She runs several classes each week, and they last for around 45 mins to an hour. My daughter has attended since Amy first introduced the classes, and always enjoys it. Parents attend with their children, and participate in the weekly theme such as dinosaurs, colours or insects. The classes include songs, rhymes, and a central story on the week’s theme. It is very interactive - the children don’t just sit and listen, but get involved through dancing and playing with the themed toys. It is both a learning experience and a fun-filled session, and children LOVE it! For children over 2, they can stay after the main class and take part in a craft task, such as making a mask or glove puppet, for example. A great way to share some quality time with your children. Contact Amy on: onceuponastorytime@hotmail.com for more information.

Review posted on May 1st by Lucy Palmer

ROYAL COUNTRY CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR JUNIORS
RCC, is located in Riffa views, the club offers range of kids activities for members and non-members. The activities for kids Junior Ballet Dancing Classes, Swimming, Football, and Basketball, the classes run twice a week, there is morning & after school classes.

Last week I decided to give it a go and took my 5yrs old son to the swimming classes and was amazed with the kind, patient and very professional coaching, the place is very well prepared for swimming classes, A temperature-controlled pool, lockers are very close to the swimming pool, hair dryer is avail, and clean towels is avail too, in terms of hygienity & cleanness the place worth 5 stars âœ°

There are the morning classes for younger kids “Mums & tots” where mums & kids enjoy the classes together, and the after school classes “which I took my son to” begins at 5pm. The great news is you don’t need to get into the water! Just drop off your little one there and enjoy a fresh juice at Prego while watching your little!

The swimming classes run twice a week, each time for 30 minutes, the classes fees is 40 BD per month for “Mums in Bahrain members”. Contact Phone: 1775 0777 email: countryclub@theroyalgolfclub.com

Review posted on May 1st by Ghada Salem

PREGO

A family-friendly Italian pizzeria at Royal Golf Club’s in Riffa Views. I went with my husband and my 5 yrs old son on Tuesday, weather was fab around 5pm there are 2 seating areas inside one and an out door facing the pool. the restaurant is very quite and cozy, in the inside area you can watch the chef while baking the pizza which my son enjoyed alot. the menu is very simple with number of pizza & pasta choices pizza for s ppl starts at 3.7 BD up to 6 BD, which is enough for a couple with one child, they have different kids meals too at fixed price 4.5 bd includes pizza/or pasta with fresh juice and Ice cream. we decided to go for the Indian ocean option “sea food” & bolognese for my little one the waiter was very friendly, and quick. they brought my son’s meal and the appetizer in 7 minutes, the pasta was so yummy, in 5 minutes later the pizzacame out of the oven, you can tell from the smell how fresh the ingredient are. the shrimps was so crunchy and yummy the pizza it self was very thing with crunchy edges, by sunset time weather was amazing so we went to the outside area to have dessert & espresso while watching birds at the pool. the great advantage in Prego is you can drop off your kids at the play room if you are in the inside area or if you decided to set outside you can let them play in the playground. Thought to take a picture of the pizza to share it with you! Check it out
Check out their menu at http://www.facebook.com/prego.pizzeria/app_117784394919914